The Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture Hon. Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West) attended a breakfast meeting with stakeholders and officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage in Nairobi. 

The meeting was significant as the Committee is currently in the process of ratifying the UNESCO 1970 Treaty that seeks to combat the illegal trade of cultural artifacts by prohibiting their illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership. 

During the meeting, Hon. Wanyama assured the State Departments present that the Committee is dedicated to ensuring there is proper representation of our cultural interests within the legislature.

"Whatever you need in terms of policy, we are here to fill the gap. As the Parliamentary Committee concerned with culture, we will make sure that whatever you do will be articulated in law." Hon. Wanyama stated.

The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Culture and Heritage, Ms. Ummi Mohammed, urged all parties involved to embrace collaborative efforts between different State Departments. She emphasized the importance of integrated cultural heritage in sustainable development, encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

"It is time for us to write our own story. We must ensure that our integrated cultural heritage is a mainspring in sustainable development along economic, social and environmental dimensions." Ms. Mohammed said.

The UNESCO 2003 Convention is the international community's first binding multilateral instrument intended to safeguard and raise the profile of culture and heritage. Its goal is to encourage countries to care for and preserve the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) present on their territories.